917K Starting Procedure!

Struggling with the complicated starting sequence for a Porsche 917

At Silverstone some years back – I watched with fascination as a psychedelic 917 was rolled out of its garage onto the pit lane. In preparation for its stint out on track the driver and mechanics proceeded to try to start it. After several attempts over what seemed like a 15-20 minute period it was finally realised that one of the many switches was in the wrong position. Once corrected – it erupted into life and away it went.

It struck me as odd that it should take so long to get it going but then a friend shared the following Bruce Canepa advice on the 917K Starting Procedure. This explains why it wasn’t so straightforward:-

Kill switches to “on” (2) (outside-bottom left of windshield, to “on” position, and inside-on left top dashboard – “on” is parallel to driving direction)

Turn key to crank for oil pressure – this will take a very long time – generally 10-15 seconds of cranking, then a pause, followed by 10-15 seconds of cranking, then a pause, followed by a 3rd 10-15 seconds of cranking (3 times in all). oil pressure will register only about 1.5-2 bar

Switch ignition to “on” (2) (pull out from dash)

Switch fuel pumps to “on” (2) (pull out from dash)

Kneel at left side door so that left hand reaches starter key and right reaches throttle at injection pump in engine bay